Cities removing storm debris but will take time

By Michael D. Abernethy

Published: Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 07:01 PM.

Debris pickup from the ice storm will take cities time to get a handle on, officials said Saturday.

In Burlington, crews were “pushing and shoving” to clear any remaining trees from roads, “at the mercy of Duke Energy” where electric lines were involved, Burlington’s Public Works Director Nolan Kirkman said.

The same was true in Graham, where maintenance crews had cleared all city streets of trees and limbs unless power lines were entangled in them, City Manager Frankie Maness said.

In Mebane, things were still hit-and-miss, said Assistant City Manager Chris Rollins. A tree with power lines in it still blocked Third Street late Saturday.

“Our crews are out. They’ve worked the last two days and are going to continue working,” Rollins said.

As residents dig their way out from beneath the debris, cities are asking for patience and cooperation. Residents should also avoid fallen lines and not attempt to remove limbs or trees near them.

■ In Burlington:

Debris must be cut in lengths 6-feet or less

The city will pick up as much debris as possible, including segments larger than 6 inches in diameter

Debris should be piled in the right-of-way, not blocking street traffic or sidewalks.

Only clear bags may be used for yard waste.

For more information, contact Burlington Public Works at (336) 222-5005.

■ In Graham:

Debris will be collected regardless of size

Place debris at the street, but don’t block streets, hydrants or other utilities

Friday garbage pickup will be collected Monday, along with Monday’s routes.

For more information, call Graham Public Works at (336) 570-6709.

■ In Mebane:

Debris should be cut to 6-feet or less, but the city will collect as much as it can.

Place debris at the edge of your yard at the street. Don’t block streets.

Friday garbage pickup will be collected Monday, along with Monday’s routes.

For more information, contact Mebane Public Works at (919) 563-5901.

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Debris pickup from the ice storm will take cities time to get a handle on, officials said Saturday.

In Burlington, crews were “pushing and shoving” to clear any remaining trees from roads, “at the mercy of Duke Energy” where electric lines were involved, Burlington’s Public Works Director Nolan Kirkman said.

The same was true in Graham, where maintenance crews had cleared all city streets of trees and limbs unless power lines were entangled in them, City Manager Frankie Maness said.

In Mebane, things were still hit-and-miss, said Assistant City Manager Chris Rollins. A tree with power lines in it still blocked Third Street late Saturday.

“Our crews are out. They’ve worked the last two days and are going to continue working,” Rollins said.

As residents dig their way out from beneath the debris, cities are asking for patience and cooperation. Residents should also avoid fallen lines and not attempt to remove limbs or trees near them.

■ In Burlington:

Debris must be cut in lengths 6-feet or less

The city will pick up as much debris as possible, including segments larger than 6 inches in diameter

Debris should be piled in the right-of-way, not blocking street traffic or sidewalks.

Only clear bags may be used for yard waste.

For more information, contact Burlington Public Works at (336) 222-5005.

■ In Graham:

Debris will be collected regardless of size

Place debris at the street, but don’t block streets, hydrants or other utilities

Friday garbage pickup will be collected Monday, along with Monday’s routes.

For more information, call Graham Public Works at (336) 570-6709.

■ In Mebane:

Debris should be cut to 6-feet or less, but the city will collect as much as it can.

Place debris at the edge of your yard at the street. Don’t block streets.

Friday garbage pickup will be collected Monday, along with Monday’s routes.